UM recap

October 6, 2008|Kevin Clark

Let's look ahead: At 2-3, the Hurricanes take a week off from ACC play to take on the UCF Knights, also 2-3, Saturday at Dolphin Stadium. The Hurricanes' secondary, which has struggled all season, might catch a break from the Knights, who are ranked 109th in passing offense and have spent the year with an uncertain quarterback situation. UCF, like Miami, has had an inconsistent season - taking USF to the brink and losing in overtime at home, but also losing 58-13 to a mediocre UTEP team. This will be the first meeting between the schools.

Let's review: After reviewing the film, coach Randy Shannon said the holes in Miami's defense were just breakdowns, especially with the long runs by FSU QB Christian Ponder. Shannon said the defense may have been fatigued because FSU ran 85 plays from scrimmage instead of around 65, which is what players are used to. Shannon also said the key point to turning the game around, coming from 24 points down to the brink of victory, was backup QB Jacory Harris' drive at the end of the first half that got the 'Canes three points. But Shannon called WR Sam Shields' blunder, when he ran on the field in a package he wasn't involved in, drawing a flag for 12 men on the field on the 4-yard line, a "huge mistake" and the turning point of the game.

Injury report: The status of RB Javarris James (high ankle sprain) is unknown. WR Leonard Hankerson is "nicked up" with an unspecified injury and his status, along with WR Thearon Collier (chest), is unknown for this week.